Austin's first true all solar neighborhood

One of the new houses in a sundivision utilizing water and sun for energy

It's being touted as the first true all solar neighborhood in Austin. Las Casas Verdes is located on Sacbe Cove off of Longview in Southwest Austin.

Designed by Architect-Builder David Martin, it is a street with 17 lots. All the homes utilize active and passive solar. Active solar is demonstrated through the use of solar panels on the roof of each home.

"The active solar generates electricity and it's heating our water from the sun," said Martin. "The model home on the street was the first home in the state of Texas to have rain water incorporated into a public supplied home."

Passive solar is achieved through the use of properly placed overhangs, porches, awnings and thermal chimneys. The garages are even vented to ensure the proper flow of air.

The rainwater systems can hold 2,000 gallons of rain water and are used to irrigate the yards, and flush commodes. Most of the homes on the street are only paying around $12 a month for water. The solar is also bringing huge savings to residents living there.

Jim Lindsay says his bills have dropped close to 60%. He's lived in the green home since 2011.

"The home functions like an igloo," says Lindsay. "There's so much insulation. We can keep the temperature within the home stable with little adjusting."

In his last home, he says he paid an average of $240 a month for electricity. In this green home, his bill is now closer to $150 for the entire year.

Lindsay says at this rate, he is planning to pay off a 30 year mortgage in closer to 17 years, simply by putting what he's saving on utilities toward the principal on his mortgage.

This project has been Martin's dream since he completed his thesis on solar power in 1978. He's been featured in Solar Today magazine. 

The homes on the street start in the 400K range, and now there are plans to build in Manor and other neighboring areas.